Richardson signs ethics bill, reconvenes task force

Gov. Bill Richardson signed into law today the only bill in his ethics reform package that had widespread support during the legislative session.

House Bill 823, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, makes several amendments to the Governmental Conduct Act. It requires that public officials disclose, in cases of contracts and other business with the state, not only their own business but also that of spouses, children, parents and siblings. It also makes the act apply to judges, who are currently exempt from its provision that prohibits bribery.

“It makes sure that the public knows that the people serving them are there for the highest reasons,” Cervantes said during the bill-signing ceremony, which was held at New Mexico State University. “Governor, thank you for signing this bill in Las Cruces, because ethics is what this community is all about.”

Cervantes’ bill was approved unanimously by the House and Senate during the regular session. Two other bills in the ethics reform package passed – one during the regular and one during the special session – but faced tough opposition. Four others died.

At the ceremony, Richardson also signed a proclamation reconvening his ethics task force. Though he had previously announced he would call the group back to work, today’s action made it official.

Richardson, with five members of the House standing behind him, said he will continue to push for the creation of a state ethics commission that has subpoena power.

“It passed the House. I love the House guys. It didn’t pass the Senate,” Richardson said.

He asked the task force to examine why ethics proposals had such a rough time this year, explore whether additional legislation is needed, and make a recommendation on whether he should call a special session for ethics reform.

NMSU Business Dean and former Gov. Garrey Carruthers, co-chair of the task force, said he is pleased to continue the group’s work.

“It’s a big task. I think we have a lot of work to do in the Senate,” he said.

Rep. Mary Helen Garcia, D-Las Cruces and the sponsor of the ethics commission bill in this year’s regular session, said she’s ready for another special session.

“Whatever it takes for us to pass that one, I’ll be happy to do it,” she told Richardson.

Today was the last day for Richardson to sign legislation from the regular session. To view a complete list of bills he acted upon, click here.